The thought of your parents getting older, declining in health, and needing help with basic tasks can be overwhelming. It’s a thought no one really likes to grapple with. Your parents’ health and safety, however, should be a priority. Decisions should be made as a family and preparing is the best way to avoid confusion and stress. Here are a few tips to help you plan for your aging parents’ future.
Meet as a Family
No matter what types of decisions are made, they should be made as a family. It’s important to involve everyone in the process. Don’t bring the topic up out of the blue, though. For such an important discussion, you should schedule a meeting in advance. If you have family members who can’t attend physically, use video-conferencing so everyone is present.
Determine the Needs of Your Parents
Chances are that if you’re having a meeting to discuss your parents’ future, you already have concerns about their health and well-being. Has one of your parents fallen recently? Are they having difficulty driving? Are they having trouble doing basic tasks around the house like cooking or cleaning? Taking a look at their specific needs will help you to determine if they might soon require assistance.
Ask Your Parents What Their Wishes Are
Your parents must be involved in any decisions that are made and you should ensure that their voices are heard. Ask them what their preferences are, whether they want to remain at home or move to upscale assisted living facilities. Maybe they would feel more comfortable moving in with your family or one of your siblings’ families.
Keep in mind that your parents may not want to have the discussion or might become defensive. Don’t pressure them. You may need to have several smaller meetings to make all the important decisions.
Getting older is a natural part of life. Together, however, you and your family can work together to create a plan that makes the process a little easier for everyone.
